Middle Ages

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Middle Ages

Q: When did the Middle Ages begin?

The Middle Ages was the period in European history from the collapse of Roman civilization in the 5th century CE to the period of the Renaissance (variously interpreted as beginning in the 13th, 14th, or 15th century, depending on the region of Europe and other factors).

Q: What was the role of Christendom?

After the dissolution of the Roman Empire, the idea arose of Europe as one large church-state, called Christendom. Christendom consisted of two distinct groups of functionaries: the sacerdotium, or ecclesiastical hierarchy, and the imperium, or secular leaders.In theory, these two groups complemented each other, attending to people’s spiritual and temporal needs, respectively. In practice, the two institutions were constantly sparring, disagreeing, or openly warring with each other.

Q: How long did the Migration Period last?

The Migration Period was a historical period sometimes called the Dark Ages, Late Antiquity, or the Early Middle Ages. The period lasted from the fall of Rome to about the year 1000, with a brief hiatus during the flowering of the Carolingian court established by Charlemagne.

Q: What were the major artistic eras of the Middle Ages?

Romanesque art was the first of two great international artistic eras that flourished in Europe during the Middle Ages. Romanesque architecture emerged about 1000 and lasted until about 1150, by which time it had evolved into Gothic. Gothic art was the second of two great international eras that flourished in western and central Europe during the Middle Ages.Gothic art evolved from Romanesque art and lasted from the mid-12th century to as late as the end of the 16th century in some areas.

Q: What socio-economic system is perceived as characteristic of the Middle Ages?

Feudalism designates the social, economic, and political conditions in western Europe during the early Middle Ages, the long stretch of time between the 5th and 12th centuries. Feudalism and the related term feudal system are labels invented long after the period to which they were applied. They refer to what those who invented them perceived as the most significant and distinctive characteristics of the early and central Middle Ages.

historical era

Also known as: le moyen âge, media tempora, medieval period, medium aevium

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Mar 18, 2025 • Article History

Quick Facts

Date:: 500 - 1500

Location:: Europe

Context:: humanism

Major Events:: Migration period

Key People:: Arthur M. Sackler

See all related content

When did the Middle Ages begin?

What was the role of Christendom?

How long did the Migration Period last?

What were the major artistic eras of the Middle Ages?

What socio-economic system is perceived as characteristic of the Middle Ages?

Middle Ages, the period in European history from the collapse of Roman civilization in the 5th century ce to the period of the Renaissance (variously interpreted as beginning in the 13th, 14th, or 15th century, depending on the region of Europe and other factors). A brief treatment of the Middle Ages follows. For full treatment, see Europe, history of: The Middle Ages. The term and its conventional meaning were introduced by Italian humanists with invidious intent. The humanists were engaged in a revival of Classical learning and culture, and the notion of a thousand-year period of darkness and ignorance separating ...(100 of 1100 words)

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